A to Z Herbarium: Juniper

Juniper

Protection, Anti-theft, Love, Exorcism, Health

Juniper has been used throughout Europe as a protective herb. Wearing a sprig of the plant will protect against accidents and attacks by wild animals. It can be hung at the door to protect against evil forces and people. It also guards against theft, ghosts, and sickness.

Burning juniper will help psychic powers, break hexes and curses, as well as drive off snakes and aid in exorcism rites. It was also used as one of the earliest incenses by Mediterranean Witches and Celtic Druids. Juniper can be added to love mixtures, and the berries are believed to increase male potency.

Juniper can be used to treat a number of stomach and digestion ailments. The berries are also known to create uterine contractions and were once used to aid in labor. Similarly, these properties also made it possible to abort unwanted pregnancies. In the Middle Ages, giving birth “under the savin tree” (an older name for juniper) was a euphemism for juniper-induced miscarriage.

Juniper is also widely used in brewery. Historically, the berries have been used to flavor both gin and whiskey. In Sweden—dating back to the Viking Age and prior to the industrial revolution—juniper was used to brew a weak, everyday ale (meaning even the children drank it). Such ale was considered a poor man’s drink, whereas ale brewed with malt was of higher quality and reserved for special occasions.

Another plant that snakes don’t like so that’s going on my list to plant. Gin is becoming more and more popular in Scotland so I think there must be lots of Juniper around. Who knew it was such a useful plant.

Do the berries have vitamin C? WHen I lived out west, a friend used to make “Mormon Tea” (a sage-like plant that didn’t have caffeine but did have a very mild sudifed-type compound) with juniper berries. The “tea” was to clear sinuses, the berries for vitamin C.

I did know there were meant to be some magical properties to juniper but I didn’t know all the information here. Of course, all members of a family used to drink ale as a matter of course because the water usually wasn’t clean – so juniper would have come in handy in that respect!

I knew nothing of this! It’s incredible to consider how uses for juniper were tested and discovered. If I can be protected from theft, ghosts, and sickness, I’d sign up for it. Love this A to Z theme!
———-
Eli@CoachDaddyJ is for Justification for the Blog Life

I have heard of Juniper, but didn’t know it could be used in so many ways, including protection!
Glad to chance on your blog during this A to Z. Came over from Hilary’s blog. I am doing an AtoZ on Happiness this year. Do stop over some time.
Happy AtoZing!
Chicky @ http://www.mysteriouskaddu.com